Telugu superstar Prabhas continues to trend as one of India’s highest-paid actors with Salaar Part 1 - Ceasefire minting box-office gold. While the actor became a household name all over the country with his involvement in the period epic Baahubali, Prabhas has been a mainstay in the Telugu industry, thanks to cult classics like Chatrapathi and Rebel.
Here’s a look at the best of his career.
Early success with Eeswar and Varsham
Prabhas made his acting debut in 2002 with the Telugu film Eeswar, directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee. However, it was his role in the 2004 film Varsham that brought him widespread recognition and marked the beginning of his journey as a leading actor. The film, directed by Sobhan, showcased Prabhas's versatility and established him as a bankable star in the Telugu film industry.
Becoming an Action Star
One of the key turning points in Prabhas's career came with the 2005 film Chatrapathi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The film received critical acclaim and showcased Prabhas's ability to carry action-oriented roles with ease. His collaboration with Rajamouli continued to be fruitful, leading to their later association in the blockbuster epic fantasy film series, Baahubali.
In 2012, Prabhas starred in the action thriller Rebel, directed by Raghava Lawrence. The film further solidified his image as an action star, as he performed high-octane stunts and showcased his physical prowess. Despite mixed reviews, Prabhas's dedication to his action sequences was widely appreciated.
The Baahubali effect
The magnum opus Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) directed by S. S. Rajamouli catapulted Prabhas to national and international acclaim. The film became a massive success and set new benchmarks for Indian cinema in terms of box office collections. Prabhas played the dual role of Amarendra Baahubali and Mahendra Baahubali, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters with distinct characteristics. The film's success not only elevated Prabhas's career but also brought him recognition on a global scale.
Following the success of Baahubali: The Beginning, Prabhas reprised his roles in the sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017). The film further heightened Prabhas's star power and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. His dedication to the physically demanding roles in the "Baahubali" series earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the top actors in the Indian film industry.
Continued success in pan-Indian and Telugu cinema
While Baahubali remains a significant milestone in Prabhas's career, he continued to explore diverse roles and genres. In 2019, he starred in the action thriller Saaho, directed by Sujeeth. The film, known for its high-octane action sequences, showcased Prabhas's commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema.
Prabhas's career is not only marked by his success as an action star but also by his ability to balance commercial entertainers with content-driven films. His filmography includes a mix of genres, including romantic dramas like Darling (2010), comedies like Mirchi (2013), and period dramas like Baahubali. This versatility has contributed to his widespread appeal among audiences of different demographics.
Why is Baahubali Prabhas’s best movie?
From grandiose costumes to over-the-top action sequences to an emotional double role performance by Prabhas, Baahubali has all the makings of the great Indian historical epic. The movie ended up establishing Prabhas as a reliable brand beyond just Telugu cinema. The movie’s legacy can still be felt today as it continues to impact Indian pop culture with tie-in media, quotable dialogues, and even memes.
Where can you stream Prabhas’s filmography?
Netflix and Prime Video are great places to start with while Hotstar, Voot and other regional streaming services also offer some of Prabhas’s best movies.
